Full Day Mixed Bag Fishing in Beaufort NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing adventure targeting diverse speciesSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboardProfessional guides provide expertise for all skill levels
Looking for a solid day on the water chasing multiple species around Beaufort? This full-day mixed bag charter with Reel Tight Adventures is exactly what you need. We're talking about a genuine 7 AM to late afternoon adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best inshore fishing grounds. The Crystal Coast waters around Beaufort offer incredible diversity - one cast you might hook into a hefty redfish, the next could be a screaming Spanish mackerel run. With only 3 anglers max, you'll get plenty of personal attention from our experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
This isn't your typical half-day quickie trip. We're dedicating a full day to putting you on fish, which means we can cover serious ground and adapt our strategy based on what's biting. Starting at first light gives us the best shot at the morning bite when fish are most active. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channel edges where Spanish mackerel and bluefish patrol. The beauty of a mixed bag approach is flexibility - if one species isn't cooperating, we pivot and chase what is. You'll experience different fishing styles throughout the day, from sight fishing in skinny water to working structure in deeper holes. The smaller group size means everyone gets quality time at the rod, not just a quick turn before passing it along.
We'll be running light to medium tackle throughout the day to maximize the fight on these inshore species. Expect to throw everything from topwater plugs during the early morning bite to live bait rigs when the action slows down. For redfish, we'll work with cut bait and soft plastics around oyster bars and creek mouths. Spanish mackerel respond well to small spoons and Got-Cha plugs trolled at moderate speeds or cast near bait schools. When targeting black drum, we'll drop down to bottom rigs with crab or shrimp in deeper channels and around bridge pilings. The captain provides all tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one - just make sure it's suitable for inshore species in the 15-30 inch range. We'll be fishing from a center console designed for these waters, giving us access to both shallow flats and deeper structure.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Beaufort inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in our waters and fight like fish twice their size. They're most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and marsh edges. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but don't count them out during winter warm spells. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat both artificial lures and natural baits, plus they'll fight you all the way to the boat.
Spanish mackerel bring serious speed and action to any mixed bag trip. These silver rockets usually show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, running anywhere from 1-4 pounds with the occasional bigger fish mixed in. They're absolute suckers for small, fast-moving lures and will often travel in schools, meaning multiple hookups are common. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your reflexes and drag setting.
Bluefish are the ultimate opportunistic feeders and can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deep channels. Size varies dramatically - you might catch "snapper" blues under a pound or encounter choppers pushing 6-8 pounds. They're notorious for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights. Blues are excellent table fare when handled properly, and they're one of the most reliable species around Beaufort waters.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this mixed bag lineup. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 inches and 10+ pounds caught regularly in our area. They prefer deeper water around structure like bridge pilings, channel edges, and oyster beds. Patient fishing with natural baits is key, but once you hook one, you'll understand why drum fishing has such a dedicated following. Their powerful runs and stubborn fights make them a favorite among serious anglers.
This full-day mixed bag charter represents some of the best value fishing on the Crystal Coast. You're getting maximum time on the water with an experienced local captain who's committed to putting you on fish. The diverse species opportunities mean everyone in your group can experience different types of fishing action throughout the day. With only 3 spots available per trip, these charters book up quickly, especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone wanting to experience the best of Beaufort's inshore fishing scene, this trip delivers. Don't sleep on this opportunity - reach out to Reel Tight Adventures and secure your date for what could be your best fishing day of the year.
Get ready to fish the waters around Beaufort aboard our reliable 2017 Seahunt 22-ft center console bay boat. This nimble vessel comfortably handles up to 3 anglers and packs serious power with its Yamaha 200HP engine, getting you to the productive fishing grounds quickly and safely. The wireless trolling motor lets us work structure quietly without spooking fish, while our GPS navigation system keeps us on the hotspots. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools and bottom structure where the fish are holding. Built tough for coastal conditions, this Seahunt center console gives us the perfect platform for targeting everything from speckled trout and redfish in the shallows to bottom fish on the reefs. The open layout provides plenty of casting room and easy fish fighting space for everyone aboard.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish with chin whiskers love brackish waters around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths. Spring spawning season from March through May gives us the best fishing when they school up in shallow waters. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for shellfish, so we target them with fresh crab, clams, or cut bait on the bottom. The fight is all about power - they'll bulldoze toward structure and test your tackle. Smaller drums under 15 pounds are excellent eating, while the big bulls are better released as breeding stock. Key tip: use circle hooks and fresh crab bait - they can smell old bait from a distance and these fish are surprisingly picky eaters despite their size.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that arrive in Beaufort waters during late spring and stick around through early fall. These blue-green fighters typically range from 2-10 pounds, with their broad tails and sharp triangular teeth making them easy to identify. They're found everywhere from sandy beaches to deeper offshore waters, often creating feeding frenzies called "blitz" when they attack baitfish schools. Summer months offer the best action, especially when water temperatures warm up. Guests love them for their hard strikes and strong fights - they don't give up easy. Smaller blues under 5 pounds make great table fare with mild, flaky meat. We catch them on everything from topwater plugs to cut bait. One tip: always use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will slice through regular line in a heartbeat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are some of the most reliable fish we target in Beaufort's shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots near the tail typically run 18-30 inches, though we see plenty of bull reds pushing 40+ pounds in deeper water. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially during moving tides. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. They're also excellent table fare when kept in the slot. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your shrimp or soft plastic well ahead of where it's headed, not right on top of it.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving predators that show up in good numbers during our warmer months, typically May through October. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots average 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, but they make up for size with pure speed and acrobatics. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structures, jetties, and over open flats chasing baitfish. They hit hard and fast, often taking multiple fish at once when we find a school. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect on the grill. We catch them trolling small spoons or casting jigs when we see birds working. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your line tight and don't stop reeling - their razor-sharp teeth can cut through leaders if they get slack to shake their heads.
Beaufort